Colombians FC wins top 8 tournament

Colombians FC was crowned champions of a Top 8 Tournament at Sunrise sports grounds in Phomolong on August 18.

Sfiso Dlamini, the head coach of Colombians FC, said teams that participated in the tournament were very strong.

“We enjoyed the tournament even though it was rather challenging because all the teams we played came hard on us.

“At some point we had to sacrifice certain positions in strategising our defence.

“My boys’ mentality was off in the first game because of a myth they hold that the opponents are notorious for using muthi in the field,” said Sfiso.

He said his first task was to dispel the myth and bring his players’ minds back to the field.

Sfiso said in their first game Colombians FC was tipped against Mamaila FC and they drew 1-1 on the field within the last three minutes.

“We beat Mamaila FC on penalties 5-4. Our second game we played against Isgodi FC which a famous and a strong team in Tembisa. They are known for playing big tournaments and they are united in their games.

“We, therefore, had to forget about their key player ‘Backberry’ and target the players he passes the ball to. I told my boys not to give Isgodi FC a chance because it was evident that the opponents panicked whenever Mamaila FC attacked. That strategy worked for us and we equalised in the last five minutes of the match. the score was 1-1,” Sfiso explained.

He said the equalising goal came as a result of a substitute he made when he pulled out Sello and put in Mbesuma.

Sfiso is proud that the substitution was instrumental in avoiding a loss. The game went to penalties and Colombians FC beat Isgodi FC 5-2.

In the final game Colombians FC played against KZN FC which Sfiso said was a tough team in all their matches.

“We watched their style of football in their previous games and that worked because we understood their style of soccer. I used my well-skilled players and made sure we frustrated the opponents’ most trusted player,” said Sfiso.

He said in first half of the final game Colombians FC did not secure any goal and they had one injury.

Sfiso said he did not substitute Sello (the injured player) but he re-positioned him from playing in the middle to the back line where he can receive and distribute the ball.

During half-time break Sfiso told his boys that they cannot afford to lose the tournament as they are facing more up-coming tournaments and they need to affirm their skills in this tournament.

“They listened and we used our players on the wing more. I told the players on wings to cut into the ground where they can create more opportunities.

“That worked in our advantage and we were able to convert the opportunities and we therefore scored two goals.

“First goal was scored by Papi five minutes after the break and the second goal came 10 minutes before the final whistle from my name sake Sfiso,” said the proud coach.

At the end of the Top 8 Tournament Colombians FC won 2-0 in a match against KZN FC.

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